By Staff
Justin Schuver, Sports Editor
I’m going to admit, I wasn’t sure how Priceville’s boys basketball team would respond after moving from Class 2A to Class 4A in this year’s realignment. Although it’s still early, so far the Bulldogs haven’t appeared to miss a beat.
Priceville is a coverage area-best 7-1 in the young season, with its one loss coming to Class 6A Pinson Valley — and that loss was only by four points. In its area opener, the Bulldogs had little trouble at all against East Lawrence, winning by 16. Priceville already has wins under its belt against Class 5A Hartselle and Curry.
Senior point guard Josh Bedwell gets much of the credit, and deservedly so, as he has scored at least 20 points every game. The Bulldogs are more than just a one-player team, however. Senior center Robert Varner has improved tremendously over last season and players like seniors Andrew Johnson, K.C. Green and Will Stevens are each capable of adding scoring. Teams cannot simply focus on Bedwell and expect to beat Priceville.
The Bulldogs have also played excellent defense so far, holding opponents to less than 60 points in every game this season except for the Pinson Valley loss, where Priceville allowed 62 points. The Bulldogs return eight seniors from last year’s Class 2A Final Four team, and if Priceville can keep up its solid play so far another postseason run could be in the cards.
A major test is coming up soon as Priceville takes on Lawrence County Friday. The Red Devils advanced to the regional level last season after winning Class 4A, Area 15.
I find that rather ironic, considering that Florida’s only previous national championship was the result of a rematch. In 1996, Steve Spurrier’s Gators lost their final regular season game of the season on the road against Florida State by the score of 24-21. After beating Alabama 45-30 in the SEC championship game, the Gators were again matched up with the Seminoles, this time in the Sugar Bowl.
Florida won that game 52-20, and took the national championship with a 12-1 record. This time, the Gators might win a national championship because everyone wanted to avoid a rematch. Now that’s what I call living a charmed life.